1. Update on Charlotte

Hallelujah! Charlotte was discharged from the Freising Clinic last Tuesday (1/13). We stayed overnight at the Munich Airport Hilton and flew home on Wednesday. Charlotte did very well on the flight, and we were home in our own bed by 10:00 pm! Today, Charlotte visited our primary physician and got her “marching orders.” Physically, Charlotte is doing great; everything is working as it’s supposed to, but she needs extensive PT to rebuild her stamina and strength. Six months to a year is the usual/normal recovery time after a sepsis infection like this. Thank you all for your prayers, cares, thoughts, and concern.

2.Travel Show Season – Come Find Me!

Jamie and I spent last weekend in Washington, DC, at the Travel & Adventure Show talking to folks about our tours to Europe and Beyond. We reconnected with many tour alumni and made new friends, too! In the coming months, you’ll find me, Jamie, Leslie, and others (but not Charlotte) at these Travel and Adventures Shows.

*  February 14/15 – Phoenix
* February 21/22 – Chicago/Rosemont
* February 28/March 1 – Ft Lauderdale
* March 28/29 – Dallas

Complete information at the Travel & Adventure Show website.

1. Update on Charlotte

 Today is DAY 31 of Charlotte’s hospital stay in Freising, Bavaria, Germany. A few days ago, she was promoted from the ICU to a regular room on the fifth floor. It is an austere room, but it has a wonderful view out the window of Freising DOM Cathedral Hill, the Munich Airport, and the Alps in the distance.

We are hoping to get on a plane and get home soon. Maybe by mid-January? Charlotte is still very weak. She will need to get some more strength to maneuver on a flight home. So, if you are a praying person, we ask that Charlotte get some PT and get up and walk. All her organs and vital signs are doing well, and she is improving every day.

2. I am whittling down my spring travels

3.Off the beaten path in the Greek mountains –

Temple of Apollo Epicurius.  Read my blog and watch this video, and I bet you’ll want to go with me!

Off the beaten path at a Mt Etna Winery- 

1. Update on Charlotte’s ICU Condition-

Charlotte continues to improve little by little in the ICU at Kilinicum Freising. Charlotte became very ill a couple of weeks ago while on our first Christmas Markets tour from Budapest to Munich. Initially, we thought it was a cold or the flu. But as time progressed I knew it was much more than that. By the time I got her to the ER clinic at the Munich Airport, she could barely walk. (Photo below of us in Budapest on December 1st).

Charlotte was diagnosed with toxic shock septic infection and progressed to sepsis. Her vital organs rapidly shut down, and she was placed on life support. She was in a coma and unconscious for 6 days. On day 6, the intubator tube was removed, and she was breathing on her own, but with 50% O2. Charlotte was slightly aware that Jamie and I were in the room with her.

Over the last 16 days, Charlotte has done remarkably well. The doctors and staff say she is a miracle coming back from near death. Charlotte’s kidneys continue to improve. She is back on dialysis for a few days with the hope that this will be the final jolt to get them back in action. The “infection” (still unknown) is not eradicated an evident by a low-grade fever.

Many are praying for Charlotte, and believe me, we can feel your prayers. Please continue to pray that Charlotte’s kidneys will return to full function, that the infection will be eradicated, that she will stay healthy, and that she can regain her strength and mobility so we can return home soon. Please pray for me too as I remain here by her side in Freising.

2. Destination Report – Freising, Germany

I ended up in Freising not because I wanted to, but because I had to be here with Charlotte (see above).

Now that I’m here, I can’t believe I’ve missed it for the 48 years I’ve been coming to Europe. This charming Bavarian town, located just north of the Munich Airport, is one of Bavaria’s oldest settlements with a history stretching back over 1,300 years. For most of that time, Freising was a powerful and independent prince-bishopric. The Bishop of Freising was more than just a religious leader. He also held significant secular power as a prince of the Holy Roman Empire. With this, the prince-bishop controlled lots of land and wielded political authority that made Freising a major ecclesiastical center in medieval Bavaria.

3. Airalo E-Sim – A Cheap alternative to USA Cell Phone International Data Plans

2. Destination Deep-Dive: Salzburg, Austria—The Augustiner Braüstube

The Augustiner Brewery at Mülln in Salzburg was founded by Augustinian monks in 1621.  Brewing according to the good old Augustiner Bräu style has a long tradition.  Since ancient times, manual brewing according to the Purity Law of 1516 includes only malt, water, hops, and yeast – without any preservatives.

 Salzburg’s Augustiner Braüstube is in an old Benedictine monastery, located a short walk up the river on the hill at Mülln.  From Mirabel Gardens, cross the river on the pedestrian bridge, and follow the path uphill to the red-roofed church with a green-domed bell tower.

3. We Wish You A Merry Christmas! Always have a song on the tip of your tongue.

We are in the midst of our Christmas Markets tours right now.  This video, although filmed 10+ years ago, sums up our holiday experiences in Europe.  Enjoy scenes from Schwangau, Salzburg, and Munich.  And don’t forget, we’ve got a seat for you at Christmas time in 2026!

SICILY on Sale! – That’s the Palermo Skyline

1. Travel Hint – Bring a Drawstring Backpack

We send this lightweight drawstring backpack to all who sign up for a David McGuffin tour. It’s a multipurpose bag to carry small items with ease. Use it on the bus to keep your snacks, lotions, and supplies handy. Or use it as a day bag, like I do, to carry only what’s needed for the moment. But the sad thing is, more often than not, folks show up on tour and have left their DMEE bag at home. It’s only then that they realize what a mistake it is!

2. Destination Deep-Dive: Munich, Germany—The Ratskeller

The Ratskeller München is a famous historic restaurant located in the basement of the New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus), right at Marienplatz in the heart of Munich. It has a history dating back over 150 years, having opened in 1874, and is genuinely a Munich institution.

 The restaurant features over 1,000 seats across 15 function rooms, with stunning neo-Gothic architecture, vaulted ceilings, and a magnificent Prunkhof (courtyard). The historic ambiance makes it worth visiting to see the interior itself.

 The restaurant offers authentic Bavarian and Franconian cuisine.  The menu includes: Classic Bavarian delicacies like schnitzel, sausages, and roast pork; vegan and vegetarian options; and a variety of sides, including several potato-based options made with fresh ingredients, preferably sourced from the region.  read more

3. Behind the Scenes: Madame Brassiere – The Affordable Eiffel Tower Restaurant

I’ve visited the Eiffel Tower dozens of times, but it was only a few years ago that I discovered Madame Brassiere. Located on the first level, Madame Brassiere offers an affordable bar and restaurant with stunning views across Paris’ skyline.  

 Most tourists visit the Eiffel Tower for the ride to the top, a look around, and then hurry back down. But if you plan to linger a little, taking your time over drinks is an excellent way to experience Paris. Here’s my story.

 A few years ago, I was doing a private tour for a mom, dad, and teenage daughter. They tended to linger and shop a lot and did not really care much about art, history, or culture. When we got to the Eiffel Tower, they were loaded with shopping packages, so I volunteered to go up to the first level, find a seat, and watch their shopping bags while they ascended to the top.  

 It was mid-afternoon when I arrived on level one, so I asked if I could visit the Madame Brassiere bar to sit a while and have a drink. It was July, I was hot and sweaty, so I didn’t think I’d have much chance of getting into an upscale bar on the Eiffel Tower. But I was wrong! read more